Qanat and Social Participation: A Model for Modern Challenges in Groundwater Management

Qanats have played a vital role in the livelihood and prosperity of civilizations for centuries. This sustainable system was developed more than 3,000 years ago in the arid regions of eastern Iran and continues to be used in areas with limited access to modern technologies. Qanats use the natural slope of the land to direct the water formed by the melting of the snow to the target areas without the need for pumping and fossil fuels. This system is based on collective participation and social organization of local communities and represents an example of sustainable management of natural resources in harsh climatic conditions. Considering the current crisis in groundwater management and increasing concerns about overexploitation of water resources the study of the natural and social functions of Qanats may provide a model for resolving these issues.

This research examines the social and cultural dimensions of Qanats using environmental sociology approaches. Findings suggest that Qanats are not merely a tool for water conveyance but also play a crucial role in shaping social cohesion and identity in Iran’s arid regions. They strengthened agriculture and employment by ensuring sustainable water supply and required the collaboration of all community members for construction and maintenance. Thus, local councils were established to manage water, resolve disputes, and oversee the construction and maintenance of Qanats. The organization of festivals and ceremonies such as water thanksgiving and rain prayers near Qanats highlights their cultural significance.

Considering the challenges of the modern world, such as the indiscriminate extraction of groundwater, climate changes, and a lack of consistency in water management policies, Qanat's experience can be an inspiring model for the sustainable management of groundwater resources around the world. This research aims to provide solutions based on historical experience and social participation to strengthen the management of water resources.